SARTELL --  We continue our look at the upcoming primary elections today (Monday) highlighting the Sartell City Council race.

Five candidates, Ryan Fitzhum, Timothy Held, Stephen Klemp, Mike Chisum, and Ryan Golombecki Sr. are vying for the two seats. The two incumbents, Steve Hennes and Amy Braig-Linstrom, have both chosen not to run for re-election.

The primary election is tomorrow (Tuesday). The top four vote-getters will move on to the general election in November.

(Photo: Stephen Klemp)
(Photo: Stephen Klemp)
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STEPHEN KLEMP

Stephen Klemp grew up in Carver County and moved back to Minnesota last year after spending several years in Illinois. He was involved in several neighborhood and city projects. He says his experience in other city government operations provides a different perspective to Sartell.

"I think I have some fresh eyes to bring to the community. Having lived outside of Minnesota and seeing what works and doesn't, I can bring some of those perspectives to Sartell," says Klemp.

Klemp says education is a vital piece to the community and the new high school reflect that. He would also like to see a library branch come to the area. Klemp has been married for 20 years and has four children (two in the high school and two in the middle school).

(Photo: Tim Held)
(Photo: Tim Held)
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TIMOTHY HELD

Timothy Held has lived in Sartell for 44 years and has been very involved in the city. He was a reserve officer for 10 years and was involved in the Parks Department for seven years. He says he's been thinking of other ways to get involved in the community and felt city council would be a good fit.

"I've given it a lot of thought over the years. I've applied a few times to be on the Parks Commission, this opportunity came up and I thought it be a good fit for me. I thought this would be a good way to continue my commitment to the city," says Held.

Held says Sartell has done a great work over the years in growing the community. He also wants to follow in his fathers footsteps, who also served time on the council. Held is married with three kids and is currently as stay at home dad.

(Photo: Ryan Golembecki)
(Photo: Ryan Golombecki)
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RYAN GOLOMBECKI SR.

Ryan Golombecki grew up in Central Minnesota and has lived in Sartell for the past few years. He says politics is more than a hobby for him and follows it very closely. His decided to run to help give a voice back to the residents.

"I believe it's time we get back to representing the community rather than the politicians having their way with what they want. I believe that's what we need to get back to," says Golombecki.

He says with a growing community important to listen to new suggestions and ideas from the residents. He would also like to find a way to bring more businesses to Sartell.

(Photo: Mike Chisom)
(Photo: Mike Chisum)
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MIKE CHISUM

Mike Chisum has lived in the Sartell area for about eight years. He works as a prosecutor in Morrison County and is married with three children. He says he decided to run because he felt a disconnect between the city and it's residents.

"I've been talking to people and I hear the same thing, city hall is not responsive. No body is hearing us. So I want to be a fresh set of eyes and ears for the problems facing the community," says Chisum.

Chisum says he wants to put a stronger focus on infrastructure and public safety. He says he would like to see an increase is police officers and squad cars. He would also like to see a stronger focus in road repair.

(Photo: Ryan Fitzhum)
(Photo: Ryan Fitzhum)
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RYAN FITZHUM

Ryan Fitzhum was born and raised in Sartell and has been very active in the community. He has served as a member of the Sartell volunteer fire department for eight years, the planning commission for four years and many other area organizations. He says with many decisions coming over the next few years, his knowledge of the city could be a great assest.

"I think Sartell has evolved tremendously and I think we have a continued opportunity to evolved. We're a standout city within our region but at the same time I want to make sure we maintain the community feel," says Fitzhum.

Fitzhum says there will be many opportunities for Sartell to grow residential, and economically and would love to serve his community on a higher level. He's married to his high school sweetheart and they have two children.

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